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Two-Dimensional Man
In Two-Dimensional Man , Paul Sahre shares deeply revealing stories that serve as the unlikely inspiration behind his extraordinary thirty-year design career. Sahre explores his mostly vain attempts to escape his "suburban Addams Family" upbringing and the death of his elephant-trainer brother. He also wrestles with the cosmic implications involved in operating a scanner, explains the disappearance of ice machines, analyzes a disastrous meeting with Steely Dan, and laments the typos, sunsets, and poor color choices that have shaped his work and point of view. Two-Dimensional Man portrays the designer's life as one of constant questioning, inventing, failing, dreaming, and ultimately making.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2017
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September 20, 2022perfect combination of monograph & memoir/perfect ratio of image to text, of monograph to memoir, of work to life
i am an admirer of anyone dedicated enough to their practice to remain doggedly independent for decade, it is pure coincidence that paul sahre's work happens to be some of the best around!!
AND the chapters are the perfect length for reading at the till at your bookselling job :-))))
i am an admirer of anyone dedicated enough to their practice to remain doggedly independent for decade, it is pure coincidence that paul sahre's work happens to be some of the best around!!
AND the chapters are the perfect length for reading at the till at your bookselling job :-))))
September 8, 2017
A Well-Designed Life Is Not Without Disorder: Paul Sahre’s Two-Dimensional Man: A Graphic Memoir
I made two mistakes when I chose this book. One I make all the time and may get Paul Sahre’s approval as a designer. I chose this book because of its cover. I’m rarely rewarded, but I do it anyway. The cover design for Sahre’s book looks like somehow all the cover information had been set on top of the book, and then someone picked it up and everything slid down in a ragged pile at the bottom. It immediately drew me in. My second mistake was thinking that this was a book written by or about Jean-Paul Sartre and that the “two-dimensional man” was maybe one who acted in bad faith or was unfulfilled in some way. While Sahre broaches some existential angst and anxiety, that’s not this book.
The first thing to hate about this memoir is the author’s style. It’s well-written and funny. I hated this because a part of me hoped if Sahre was this entertaining in writing, his design work would be awful. This, of course, counter to the fact that he likely designed the cover that piqued my interest. And that’s the second thing to hate. His work is really good. It seems unfair.
When I opened the book and realized it was about design, I thought that at least it would be a quicker read than the imagined Sartre book. It was so immediately entertaining, I had to go back and check that I was indeed reading a memoir about work in graphic design. Sahre’s intro about his early art and his family is as easy and fun to read as David Sedaris. I didn’t expect it. An early drawing, prominently and embarrassingly displayed in his parents’ house, gives the name to the prologue: “Demon Eating Human Flesh.” This picture was a favorite of Sahre’s troubled brother who renamed himself “Angus” after Angus Young from AC/DC. Sahre describes his grandfather’s choice of one day capping his Old Spice with the head of a GI Joe doll, and deciding to continue this until his death. What’s wonderful about this object is that it is at once a bizarre juxtaposition, like something in a Devo video, and also a functional aspect of someone’s toilet. Quotidian magic.
When Sahre’s book finally becomes the book one expects, the one about design, the reader may feel cheated, but that’s only in comparison to the rest, and then only slightly. The table of contents page for Part Three seems to be a clue. Echoing the cover, the contents are in a heap at the bottom of the page. He’s sifted through piles of ideas, work, and events from his career and offering lessons and observations. The sections are shorter and more matter-of-fact. He discusses everything from teaching to business, including what he learns after a profanity-laden shouting match with Steely Dan.
Two-Dimensional Man also reminds me of Stephen King’s craft book/memoir On Writing, one of the few books about the craft that non-writers seem to have read and enjoyed. Both books are worth multiple reads in the way they show how lives shape art and art shapes lives. Like other satisfying books about particular arts, Sahre’s book has important lessons not only for others hoping to go into graphic design, but also anyone hoping to improve their work or hoping to find inspiration. Besides seriously analyzing fonts and their features, and having a deep understanding of basics like shape and color, Sahre put in a great deal of sweat equity painting signs and creating his own silk screen machines to create posters outside of his regular hours of design work at a firm. He sometimes slept on a cot in his office. There is some luck to his process and success, but a lot of labor went into creating that luck.
I made two mistakes when I chose this book. One I make all the time and may get Paul Sahre’s approval as a designer. I chose this book because of its cover. I’m rarely rewarded, but I do it anyway. The cover design for Sahre’s book looks like somehow all the cover information had been set on top of the book, and then someone picked it up and everything slid down in a ragged pile at the bottom. It immediately drew me in. My second mistake was thinking that this was a book written by or about Jean-Paul Sartre and that the “two-dimensional man” was maybe one who acted in bad faith or was unfulfilled in some way. While Sahre broaches some existential angst and anxiety, that’s not this book.
The first thing to hate about this memoir is the author’s style. It’s well-written and funny. I hated this because a part of me hoped if Sahre was this entertaining in writing, his design work would be awful. This, of course, counter to the fact that he likely designed the cover that piqued my interest. And that’s the second thing to hate. His work is really good. It seems unfair.
When I opened the book and realized it was about design, I thought that at least it would be a quicker read than the imagined Sartre book. It was so immediately entertaining, I had to go back and check that I was indeed reading a memoir about work in graphic design. Sahre’s intro about his early art and his family is as easy and fun to read as David Sedaris. I didn’t expect it. An early drawing, prominently and embarrassingly displayed in his parents’ house, gives the name to the prologue: “Demon Eating Human Flesh.” This picture was a favorite of Sahre’s troubled brother who renamed himself “Angus” after Angus Young from AC/DC. Sahre describes his grandfather’s choice of one day capping his Old Spice with the head of a GI Joe doll, and deciding to continue this until his death. What’s wonderful about this object is that it is at once a bizarre juxtaposition, like something in a Devo video, and also a functional aspect of someone’s toilet. Quotidian magic.
When Sahre’s book finally becomes the book one expects, the one about design, the reader may feel cheated, but that’s only in comparison to the rest, and then only slightly. The table of contents page for Part Three seems to be a clue. Echoing the cover, the contents are in a heap at the bottom of the page. He’s sifted through piles of ideas, work, and events from his career and offering lessons and observations. The sections are shorter and more matter-of-fact. He discusses everything from teaching to business, including what he learns after a profanity-laden shouting match with Steely Dan.
Two-Dimensional Man also reminds me of Stephen King’s craft book/memoir On Writing, one of the few books about the craft that non-writers seem to have read and enjoyed. Both books are worth multiple reads in the way they show how lives shape art and art shapes lives. Like other satisfying books about particular arts, Sahre’s book has important lessons not only for others hoping to go into graphic design, but also anyone hoping to improve their work or hoping to find inspiration. Besides seriously analyzing fonts and their features, and having a deep understanding of basics like shape and color, Sahre put in a great deal of sweat equity painting signs and creating his own silk screen machines to create posters outside of his regular hours of design work at a firm. He sometimes slept on a cot in his office. There is some luck to his process and success, but a lot of labor went into creating that luck.
October 26, 2017
This is the most enjoyable book having anything to do with design I've read to date. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.
January 1, 2018
YOU NEED THIS BOOK.
RECOMMENDED FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS, WEIRDOS, AMERICANS, HUMANS.
RECOMMENDED FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS, WEIRDOS, AMERICANS, HUMANS.
March 21, 2019
“Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real.” —CM
“All art is clever theft. The act of covering your traces is the act of creation.” —NR
“All art is clever theft. The act of covering your traces is the act of creation.” —NR
February 25, 2023
Two Dimensional Man is a memoir of (mostly) freelance designer Paul Sahre, going through his childhood, design school days, and career in a series of short chapters. Stylistically, this book is similar to Anthropocene Reviewed: it’s ecclectic at times, delving deeply into Sahre’s personal experience and random thoughts.
Not all designers can write well. Sahre can. He has a wonderfully snarky authorial voice, which lends itself well to the levity and heart of this book. The highlights of this book for me were Sahre’s discussion of his design school days (shockingly relatable), and the chapter titled “Regrets,” which had some pearls of wisdom about working as a designer. I didn’t find the amount of content about the author’s family to be particularly engaging, but it’s clearly important to Sahre and makes up a good emotional through-line for the book.
While I do have personal disagreements with parts of Sahre’s design philosophy, I think this is a great book for design professionals who want to learn more about the recent history of the field. (Particularly if you went through a harda** design program. You’ll get a couple laughs.)
Not all designers can write well. Sahre can. He has a wonderfully snarky authorial voice, which lends itself well to the levity and heart of this book. The highlights of this book for me were Sahre’s discussion of his design school days (shockingly relatable), and the chapter titled “Regrets,” which had some pearls of wisdom about working as a designer. I didn’t find the amount of content about the author’s family to be particularly engaging, but it’s clearly important to Sahre and makes up a good emotional through-line for the book.
While I do have personal disagreements with parts of Sahre’s design philosophy, I think this is a great book for design professionals who want to learn more about the recent history of the field. (Particularly if you went through a harda** design program. You’ll get a couple laughs.)
April 3, 2019
Instead of a gloating design publication that only further adds more fodder to the heaving shelves of design memoirs, this is different and it's good. I previously read Paul Sahre's texts Leisurama Now and Hello World, enjoying both in regard to design and content- discussing a niche subject matter and making it pleasant and appealing. As a graphic designer I am familiar with Sahre's book covers and print material, which Two Dimensional Man includes, but there is a lot more behind the scenes- with the work and in life. It is well-written, humorous and insightful. The road to graphic design success is lined with a lot of cracks in the asphalt and some not even within your control.
There is a bit he includes when he is still at school and his class had just finished watching The Lottery (wonderful story) with scant discussion afterwards. The teacher and class miss the point of Jackson's work and Sahre starts to speak, rise, but the class is over and everyone moves out. I understood that, I understood that part in the book perfectly.
There is a bit he includes when he is still at school and his class had just finished watching The Lottery (wonderful story) with scant discussion afterwards. The teacher and class miss the point of Jackson's work and Sahre starts to speak, rise, but the class is over and everyone moves out. I understood that, I understood that part in the book perfectly.
April 9, 2020
I picked this up not knowing who Paul Sahre was. I'm now certain I've seen a book cover of his at some point, but this was essentially a blind buy, based solely on the fact that it was a book written by a graphic designer. Going in, my expectations were that it would likely be more heavily focused on design, but I'm glad that it turned out to be a more balanced picture of Paul's life.
The book was unexpectedly very moving at several points. I'm not sure I've ever had the experience of tearing up only four pages into a book. As a designer with a difficult family history, I found that many of his experiences were very relatable, and gave me a new perspective on my own life.
Of course, there are plenty of design lessons to be had as well, and those were interesting to read. But what makes this book stand out is how well the author weaves his experience as a designer into some of the most difficult experiences of his personal life. A beautiful book, well worth the read even if you're not a designer.
The book was unexpectedly very moving at several points. I'm not sure I've ever had the experience of tearing up only four pages into a book. As a designer with a difficult family history, I found that many of his experiences were very relatable, and gave me a new perspective on my own life.
Of course, there are plenty of design lessons to be had as well, and those were interesting to read. But what makes this book stand out is how well the author weaves his experience as a designer into some of the most difficult experiences of his personal life. A beautiful book, well worth the read even if you're not a designer.
January 15, 2018
I loved this book. i like the way Paul Sahre is able to write a design memoir that is entertaining, interesting and quick. of course, his layout and format is super convenient and allows you to read on w out feeling like it’s dragging on. the way he separates chapters and sections is underwhelming. the information is just enough. he also makes you interact w the book, in particular when he is talking about record covers from childhood. i went on to googling each album cover and was not disappointed. i love miller, this is one of my favourite typefaces that i use in some of my work felt v comfortable and at home. he is comical, flawed, and personable. a great story teller and an amazing designer.
October 2, 2017
Would this appeal to anyone not a graphic designer and in awe of Paul Sahre's work (and work ethic)? Frankly, I could give a s--t. I'm a graphic designer, I love his work, and I'm just impressed that he chose to write an honest, often very moving memoir of (mostly) words rather than publish the usual hagiographic eye candy monograph that so many other designers have opted for. It's the kind of monograph I'd have hoped to write if I actually was a famous designer and had the opportunity. Nice job, Paul.
April 16, 2019
I have read a memoir from an astronaut, an activist, so many writers, so many musicians, artists, a chef, a comedian, and so on... And this is the first time I read a graphic designer memoir, of course I feel at home in it. The moment of They Might Be Giants project evolved to a humongous (literally) project was as exciting as the spacewalk. As a graphic designer my self, I am in love with how his mind works. The original idea behind the work and how it developed in the process, also how he handles the client ".. in my opinion, designers do not say no enough." It is fascinating!
The writing was a delight, simple and easy to follow, of course with interactive graphic and impecable lay-out. The story of his family and love life was just as sweet :)
The writing was a delight, simple and easy to follow, of course with interactive graphic and impecable lay-out. The story of his family and love life was just as sweet :)
November 13, 2019
I loved Sahre's writing style in this graphic memoir, and was particularly inspired by the funny and personal chapters where he wrote about his family. I'm afraid I skimmed some of the chapters to do with the design process and product - perhaps cos I'm not a graphic designer myself, I found these chapters a little dull. The interwoven story of Sahre's brother is fascinating and beautifully constructed throughout the book. The final chapter is heart wrenching, and yet it keeps somethign of the light, self-depcrecating tone that makes this book a joy to read.
July 20, 2020
Definitely more a memoir than a monograph, this book was a thought-provoking, charming, and moving story of a creative, artistic kid growing up in the 70s who eventually became a successful, renowned graphic designer. Each short story focuses on a formative object, event, or project (or some combination), making for a quick read that I forced myself to savor slowly when my pandemic mood was sagging. A treat.
October 20, 2020
yeah no. i tried really hard to like this book because of the multiple 5 star reviews. i was super excited about giving this book a shot. the beginning even was good even, promising. i read over a 130 pages before i finally gave up & i don't give up on books easy. this just stretched on and on and on. maybe it couldn't hold my attention or interest because it delves into details of designing in a monotonous manner. but not for me.
March 27, 2021
Ok, this may be a somewhat niche read, but I really enjoyed reading Paul's story about his life as a designer. And when I say life, it does go back right to the beginning. It is interesting to me how his early life and experiences weave closely into his adult and professional life. It is also revealing to read how he developed as a design professional and about the route he took to pursue his career. If any of these topics are of interest to you, I highly recommend this book.
October 1, 2017
Go get it in hardback, because this will be a classic for sure.
Impressive how this "thing" works so well on so many levels. A beautiful, but not overdesigned object. Heartfelt family story and a fascinating glimpse into a graphic design trade. It really is a glimpse, but incisive enough so you can make out the more - without giving the game away.
Impressive how this "thing" works so well on so many levels. A beautiful, but not overdesigned object. Heartfelt family story and a fascinating glimpse into a graphic design trade. It really is a glimpse, but incisive enough so you can make out the more - without giving the game away.
August 6, 2018
Great easy, catchy read. Paul is explaining his journey into graphic design, how he's always kept experimenting and exploring. And his family life around it all.
Favorite thing throughout the book was how playful the layout and text was set and all the illustrations on the right places - so pleasing!
Favorite thing throughout the book was how playful the layout and text was set and all the illustrations on the right places - so pleasing!
January 1, 2023
A delightful, sober, and breezy memoir of one of the great living designers. To hear Sahre’s journey through his own point of view is a rare thing amidst a sea of monographs. And it’s always reassuring to be reminded that we’re all learning as we go and that the twists and turns can be inspiration themselves but also what lead to an interesting life.
August 8, 2025
Such a lovely read. Paul Sahre visited my school and shared some of his work so I have been itching to read this for awhile. I thought it may not be worth it since I know his work / anecdotes but this was incredible. Easiest read ever, every little story has something worthwhile and interesting. Motivated me to live, especially as an aspiring book cover designer in New York.
October 19, 2017
I enjoyed this fresh take on the memoir genre. I, as an English language person, was fascinated by the way Paul Sahre's brain works! The visuals and stories were definitely inspiring. For a 300+ page book, I found it a quick read and I'll be recommending this to friends.
October 23, 2020
I loved this book. Lighthearted but serious and sad at times. Paul is as excellent a writer as he is a designer. A staple for any graphic artist, or anyone who simply knows what it’s like to grow up in a slightly dysfunctional middle class family.
January 12, 2022
I give a lot of books high ratings but I finished this in 3 sittings. Learning about design alongside the life of creative and understanding their whys and their inspirations is so interesting. Photos are always a plus for me.
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April 21, 2024cool book, very american, just wished it had more reproductions of his great design work!
July 27, 2024
Don’t be fooled, he exists in the third dimension
January 11, 2018
A fascinating real open quirky funny look into this designers life. Highly recommend this treasure of a book. #Abramsbooks #netgalley for this advance readers copy,
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews